The Arts Section

Chill Out with Ice Sculptures + Jajas African Hair Braiding Review Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek takes you with inside the country’s oldest ice sculpture business, where blocks of ice are turned into crystal clear pieces of art. Later in the show, theater critic Kelly Kleiman joins Gary to talk about a the midwest premiere of the Tony-nominated play JaJa’s African...

Lookingglass Returns With Circus Quixote + WInter Theater Preview Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek goes backstage at Lookingglass Theater to learn about its upcoming world premiere CIRCUS QUIXOTE. The production marks a comeback for the award-winning theater company that’s been hiatus. Later in the show, the Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, join...

Jazz Omnibus + New Elmhurst Art Museum Executive Director Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek catches up with renowned jazz journalist Howard Mandel to talk about the new Jazz Omnibus, that he helped edit. Theater critic, Jonathan Abarbanel Gary to talk about the new musical revue, HITT RECORDS. Later in the show, Gary sits down with the new executive director of the El...

Frank Lloyd Wright Photo Exhibit, Jazz Book + Book House Art Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek visits a new exhibition that highlights Frank Lloyd Wright’s relationship with photography. Theater critic Kelly Kleiman joins Gary to discuss a world premiere that dives into some of the strife that exists in the current political climate. Gary catches up with author James...

Goodbye 2024 Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, we’ll say good-bye to 2024 with a look back at the past 12 months. Host Gary Zidek revisits a piece on a book that documents a unique piece of Chicago art and nightlife history. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to talk about their favorite productions from the past year. Later in the show, WDCB hosts P...

Happy Holidays! Gary Zidek Happy Holidays! On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek talks to one of the artistic directors of Manual Cinema to learn more about the company’s imaginative adaptation of A CHRISTMAS CAROL. The Dueling Critics will discuss Second City’s latest revue. Later in the show, Gary catches up with the owner of new independent bookshop in the west suburbs. They’ll t...

The Long Christmas Dinner + Creche Exhibit Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek talks to the director of a play that despite it’s famous author, is rarely produced anymore. The Dueling Critics, Kell Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to review a new production of LITTLE WOMEN. Later in the show, Gary takes a trip to an exhibit that’s quietly becoming a holiday tra...

Early Latin American Christmas Music + More Holiday Stuff Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek previews a different kind of holiday concert. The Newberry Consort will be presenting Christmas music that comes from Latin America in the 15th through 18th centuries. Thater critic Jonathan Abarbanel, joins Gary to review the world premiere musical THE HOUSE WITHOUT A CHRISTMA...

Chi Typography Exhibit + Small Arts Survey Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek checks out an exhibit that explores Chicago’s relationship with typography. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to preview all the holiday productions opening on Chicago stages. Later in the show, Gary takes a closer look at the results of a new survey that pr...

MCA's Living End Exhibit + Chicago's Thanksgiving Parade Turns 90 Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek talks to the Museum of Contemporary Art’s lead curator about a new exhibit that explores the evolution of contemporary paintings. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to review a new one-man show that parodies Die Hard as a poem. Later in...

Ted Lasso Book, Leroy & Lucy Review + John Waters Masterclass Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek talks to the author of a new book that dives into the history of a surprising TV hit that’s won over fans and critics alike. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to review a new play that reimagines a moment in Blues legend Robert Johnson’s l...

Chicago Dance Archives, Remembering Quincy + Annie Musical Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek takes a closer look at a new partnership that aims to make Chicago’s dance history more accessible. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to review a new production of the Pulitzer Prize winning play, DINNER WITH FRIENDS. Later in the show, Gary...

Roger Deakins Interview, Royal Shakespeare Company Comes To Chicago + Insert Coin Exhibit Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek catches up with acclaimed cinematographer Roger Deakins. The 16-time Academy Award nominee just opened a new exhibition of his photography in Chicago. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, review the Royal Shakespeare Company...

Memoir of a Snail + Lili-Anne Brown Interview Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek catches up with Oscar-winning animator Adam Elliot to talk about his new film MEMOIR OF A SNAIL. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to review the world premiere EVIL PERFECT. Later in the show, Gary checks in with acclaimed theater director Lili-Anne Brown...

Immersive Haunted House, Director Steve Pink + An Act of God Review Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, we’ll get into the Halloween spirit. Host Gary Zidek takes you inside Rough House Theater’s immersive theater puppet haunted house. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to review a comedy that just opened in Aurora as a part of the Paramount Theater’s...

Indigenous Chicago, Becky Nurse Review + 3Arts Award-Winner Shariba Rivers Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek takes you with to the Newberry Library to check out a new exhibition on Chicago’s indigenous history. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, join me to review the midwest premiere of Sarah Ruhl’s BECKY NURSE OF SALEM. Later in the show, Gary...

Silents Synched, Movie Palace Exhibit + Vinyl/Beer Store Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek highlights a new film series that mixes classic silent films with modern day alt rock albums. Gary then takes a closer look at a new exhibit that celebrates the grand movie palaces of the 20s and 30s. Later in the show, the Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel,...

True Story Inspires Operas, Maestro Muspratt Celebrates 20 + Hyde Park Jazz Fest Faces Challenges Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek takes a closer look at two new opera productions taking the stage in Chicago that both share an interesting backstory. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to review Goodman Theatre’s INHERIT THE WIND. Late...

Local Indie, Chi Shakespeare's Henry V + Savoyaires 60th Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek catches up with the multi-talented filmmaker and musician Haroula Rose. Her new movie, ALL HAPPY FAMILIES, opened in theaters this weekend. Gary sits down with Chicago Shakespeare Theatre artistic director Edward Hall to talk about his new interpretation of HENRY V. Later in the...

Jazz Comic Book + New Season of Chicago Stories Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek sits down with trumpeter and composer Joe Clark to talk about his latest project, a jazz comic book series. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, joins Gary to review the world premiere play THE HOUSE OF IDEAS. Later in the show, Gary catch up with the executive...

Muralist + Fall Theater Preview Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek catches up with muralist Rafael Blanco. A new exhibit of his vibrant work just opened in the west suburbs. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to preview all the productions they’re looking forward to seeing this autumn. And we’ll revisit a conversation with au...

Kerri Maher Interview, Comic Book Play + Arts Center Turns 15 Gary Zidek Happy Labor Day Weekend! On Today’s program, host Gary Zidek talks to best-selling author Kerri Maher about her latest book. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to talk about Red Twist Theater’s new production of THE NORMAL HEART. Later in the show, Gary catches up with Chicago playwright Mark...

Artist Ellie Vergura, Network Review + York Theater Turns 100 Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek sits down with artist Ellie Vergura to talk about her first solo exhibit, ARDOR, and her journey to becoming a painter. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to review a new stage adaptation of NETWORK. Later in the show, Gary catches up with...

Sugarcane Documentary, Second City Review + Paul Mecurio Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek talks to the co-directors of an affecting new documentary (SUGARCANE) that explores a series of atrocities that occurred at a Canadian school for indigenous children. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to review Second City’s latest revue and ta...

Wabash Lights, Royko Exhibit + Political Doc Gary Zidek On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek has the latest on the public art project known as the Wasbash Lights that’s set to make its debut after10 years of planning. The Dueling Critics, Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to review a musical adaptation of Lewis Carrol’s classic Alice in Wonderland. Later in the show,...